As if losing 2-1 at home to Swansea City on the opening afternoon of the Barclays Premier League season wasn't bad enough, Ashley Young's efforts to rally Manchester United's lacklustre troops resulted in an unexpected delivery from above.

In images captured by BT Sport and quickly spread on Twitter, the midfielder was ranting and raving at the defence when a dollop of bird excrement appeared to land in his mouth.

The bird must have laser-guided aim, as its 'delivery' landed right on the inside of the England international's lower lip from quite some distance away.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Van Gaal: Our confidence will be smashed down with result

Laser aim: As Young rants and raves at the shaky United defence, the bird excrement can be seen flying towards his open mouth

Hitting the target: Young continues to shout as the 'delivery' lands on his tongue

Special delivery: Ashley Young (left) was targeted by a very accurate bird during Manchester United's 2-1 home defeat by Swansea City on the opening afternoon of the Barclays Premier League season

Frustration: Young cut an annoyed figure as lacklustre United slipped to defeat in Van Gaal's first game

It was not quite the Premier League debut Louis Van Gaal imagined as a sluggish United performance at Old Trafford saw them succumb to defeat.

The Dutchman has restored optimism to Old Trafford following the dark days of the David Moyes era last season and he was given a rapturous welcome as he walked out before kick-off.